Margaux 1986 (750ML)

98+ Points, Antonio Galloni, Vinous: "The 1986 Chateau Margaux was even more emotionally moving. Still incredibly youthful, it showed incredible focus and depth, all backed up by considerable structure. As hard as it may seem to believe, on this night the 1986 appeared to still be some years away from peaking. It was striking in every way." 02/12

94 Points, William Kelley, Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: "The 1986 Château Margaux remains somewhat firm and forbidding as it closes in on its 40th birthday. Offering up aromas of cassis, cigar box and toasty new oak, it's medium to full-bodied, deep and structured, with a sweet core of fruit that's framed, and almost overwhelmed, by an abundance of chalky tannin. I actually preferred this wine a decade ago, when its sheer abundance of fruit did a better job of balancing out its structuring elements." 12/23

95 Points, James Molesworth, Wine Spectator: "This has matured fully but still clings to a slightly rugged feel, with a briar patch note framing the core of dried currant, blackberry and bitter cherry fruit. Twinges of alder, plum skin and cedar fill in the finish, which shows a decidedly grippy edge of smoldering charcoal. Impressive for depth and power, though this very tannic Margaux may never yield fully to the inherent elegance of its terroir. It can certainly handle more cellaring. -- Non-blind Château Margaux vertical (December 2013). Drink now through 2030." 11/14